The Financier, a novel eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 732 pages of information about The Financier, a novel.

The Financier, a novel eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 732 pages of information about The Financier, a novel.

“No, that won’t do,” said Cowperwood.  “I shall have to go myself.  If you wish to wait here I will see what can be done, and let you know.”

“Very well,” grunted Butler, who was now walking up and down with his hands behind his back.  “But for Heaven’s sake be quick about it.  There’s no time to lose.”  He was thinking of Mrs. Butler.  Cowperwood called the servant, ordered his runabout, and told George to see that his private office was not disturbed.  Then, as Butler strolled to and fro in this, to him, objectionable room, Cowperwood drove rapidly away.

Chapter XLVII

Although it was nearly eleven o’clock when he arrived at the Calligans’, Aileen was not yet in bed.  In her bedroom upstairs she was confiding to Mamie and Mrs. Calligan some of her social experiences when the bell rang, and Mrs. Calligan went down and opened the door to Cowperwood.

“Miss Butler is here, I believe,” he said.  “Will you tell her that there is some one here from her father?” Although Aileen had instructed that her presence here was not to be divulged even to the members of her family the force of Cowperwood’s presence and the mention of Butler’s name cost Mrs. Calligan her presence of mind.  “Wait a moment,” she said; “I’ll see.”

She stepped back, and Cowperwood promptly stepped in, taking off his hat with the air of one who was satisfied that Aileen was there.  “Say to her that I only want to speak to her for a few moments,” he called, as Mrs. Calligan went up-stairs, raising his voice in the hope that Aileen might hear.  She did, and came down promptly.  She was very much astonished to think that he should come so soon, and fancied, in her vanity, that there must be great excitement in her home.  She would have greatly grieved if there had not been.

The Calligans would have been pleased to hear, but Cowperwood was cautious.  As she came down the stairs he put his finger to his lips in sign for silence, and said, “This is Miss Butler, I believe.”

“Yes,” replied Aileen, with a secret smile.  Her one desire was to kiss him.  “What’s the trouble darling?” she asked, softly.

“You’ll have to go back, dear, I’m afraid,” whispered Cowperwood.  “You’ll have everything in a turmoil if you don’t.  Your mother doesn’t know yet, it seems, and your father is over at my place now, waiting for you.  It may be a good deal of help to me if you do.  Let me tell you—­” He went off into a complete description of his conversation with Butler and his own views in the matter.  Aileen’s expression changed from time to time as the various phases of the matter were put before her; but, persuaded by the clearness with which he put the matter, and by his assurance that they could continue their relations as before uninterrupted, once this was settled, she decided to return.  In a way, her father’s surrender was a great triumph.  She made her farewells to the Calligans, saying, with a smile, that they could not do without her at home, and that she would send for her belongings later, and returned with Cowperwood to his own door.  There he asked her to wait in the runabout while he sent her father down.

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Project Gutenberg
The Financier, a novel from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.